“At last, after much entreaty and supplication [on my part], the governor sent for the complainant, and made him consent that for five thousand pieces of silver he should withdraw his charge of murder.  I counted out the money, and got his written engagement [not to prosecute them again], and had them released from their dire calamity.  O protector of the world! ask them if I tell truth or falsehood.”  Here the two brothers stood in silence, and hung down their heads like those who are ashamed.  “Well, [to proceed], I got them released, and brought them to my house, had them bathed and dressed, and gave them apartments for their residence in the diwan-khana.  I did not at that time introduce my wife to them; I myself attended to all their wants, and ate [and drank] with them, and at the hour of sleep returned to my apartment.  For the space of three years [the time] thus passed in my kind treatment of them, and on their part, no evil action took place, so as to be the cause of my displeasure.  When I used to go out riding any where, they remained at home.

“It happened, that my good wife went one day to the bath; when she came to the diwan-khana, seeing no male person there, she took off her veil; perhaps my second brother was lying down there awake, and immediately on seeing her, he became enamoured of her.  He imparted [the circumstance] to our eldest brother, and they formed a plan together for murdering me.  I had no knowledge whatever of this circumstance; on the contrary, I used to say to myself, ’God be praised, that this time, as yet, they have done nothing such [as they formerly did]; their conduct is now correct; perhaps they have felt the effects of shame.’  One day, after dinner, my eldest brother began to weep, and to praise our native country, and to describe the delights of Iran. [314] On hearing this, the other brother began to sigh.  I said, ’If you wish to return to] our native land; then it is well; I am devoted to your pleasure, and it is also my own wish.  Now, if it please God, I will go along with you.’  I mentioned the circumstance of my brothers’ afflictions to my wife, and also my own intentions.  That sensible woman replied, ’You may think so; but they again design to perpetrate some villany [towards you]; they are the enemies of your life; you have fostered [a brace of] serpents in your sleeve, and you still place reliance on their regard.  Act as you please, but beware of those who are noxious.’  At all events, the preparations for the journey were completed in a short time, and the tents pitched on the plain.  A great kafila assembled, and they agreed to confer on me the rank of leader and kafila-bashi. [315] A propitious hour being ascertained, [the kafila] set out; but on my part, I was on my guard against my brothers, though in every way I obeyed their commands, and made everything agreeable to them.